First Blog Posts

Sometimes, it can be scary to write your first blog post! Luckily, the supportive community of ActiveRain is just the place to start.

On this page you will find a running list of “first blog posts” written on ActiveRain by members of the real estate industry. These new bloggers have taken the leap to begin their blogging journey. Our first-time real estate bloggers deserve a big welcome and some extra encouragement from you!

Take a read, leave a comment, and say hello. You'll make that author’s day and help to give them a great first impression of our community.

Agent's first blog posts on ActiveRain

By Jessica Chadwick, Loan Signing Agent
(Jessica Chadwick's Notary Services)
Getting started is hard.Life happens. Things change at the drop of a dime. Best thing to be the woes is to JUST ... GET ... STARTED. Trust me to help take some of the stress off with a flexible schedule. 
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By Tammie Jungling NMLSR ID 455110, VP of Mortgage Lending
(Certainty Home Lending NMLSR #2611)
✨ Ready to make dreams come true again! 💰✨ After a brief hiatus, I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be originating loans once more! 🏦✅ But that's not all... I'm beyond excited to attend the highly anticipated 'Invincible Lender' event hosted by the amazing Tiffany Rose over the next three days! 🎉💼 Brace yourselves for the latest insights, trends, and strategies in the lending world. 📈🔍 Can't wait to share the game-changing results with you all this Friday! Stay tuned! 📆💥 #BackInBusiness #InvincibleLender #LoanOrigination @tiffrosecoach
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By Roger Ramos, Licensed & sell Off-Market properties to investors
(New Western)
Off-Market Flower Mound, Tx 75028 | Flip/RentalPP: $300,000 | Private showing Friday, 6/154bed | 2.5bath | 2 car garage | $100k+ spreadCall/Text me at 214-901-1179 for more info & accesshttps://www.newwestern.com/agent/roger-ramos/
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By Meghan Stanworth
(N/A)
Dishonesty can cause many problems, not just at home but in your career as well. A person's reputation relies on if a person is honest or not and when you are a real estate agent it also reflects back onto the agent's broker. Being a dishonest sales agent or broker can send a person down a rabbit hole of problems in the future.Many people discover agents through referrals and word of mouth so when somebody is informing another person about you as an agent, you want them to have good things to say, which is where honesty comes in to help you. If you are honest and open with your clients they will recommend you to others and have great things to say. If they notice you lack honesty throughout their time with you, they will have negative things to say which will make another potential clie...
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By Malenys Hernandez
(Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
HERE’S A GENERAL HOME STAGING CHECKLIST THAT CAN BE USED Declutter: Remove any unnecessary items, including personal items, excess furniture, and clutter. Clean: Deep clean the home, including floors, walls, and surfaces. Repair: Fix any minor repairs, such as leaky faucets or loose doorknobs. Paint: Consider painting the home’s walls with a neutral color to make the space feel more inviting. Stage Furniture: Use furniture to showcase the home’s best features and create a welcoming atmosphere. Lighting: Make sure that the home is well-lit, with natural light as much as possible. Curb appeal: Ensure the exterior of the home is attractive by adding landscaping, repainting the front door, and ensuring the exterior is clean and tidy. Neutralize: Remove any decor or furnishings that could be...
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By Manuel Angeles, Commercial Real Estate Broker
(Exp Commercial)
Los Angeles Multifamily Market Report As of June 8, 2023Los Angeles apartment market conditions provide mixed signals. Several data points suggest the market has stabilized in 2023. Rents, which saw slight declines late last year, reached a floor in early December. Renter demand has improved in recent months compared to the negative net absorption witnessed late last year. While property managers are providing more generous incentives than a year ago, the percentage of properties offering concessions, around 16% at the end of April, has declined from a recent peak of 22% in October 2022.However, on a market-wide basis, vacancy, at 4.6%, continues to increase and is up from a recent low of 3.7% in 22Q1. Both demand and supply have precipitated the increase. Net absorption during the past...
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By Sandy Plachecki, Serving York, Lancaster & Chester SC Counties
(Plachecki Home Sales @ eXp Realty)
The Perfect Equestrian Community just minutes from CharlotteImagine living in an equestrian paradise, nestled in the serene beauty of nature, yet just a short distance from the vibrant city of Charlotte. Build your dream life in the heart of Indian Land, South Carolina. Located a mere 7 miles from Charlotte and 4 miles from Marvin, NC, this extraordinary property offers an unparalleled opportunity to create your own mini homestead, family compound, private estate, or private retreat.We're thrilled to announce that the land can now be subdivided, providing you with even more possibilities. With 60 acres available, you can choose to keep it as one expansive parcel or break it down into a minor subdivision with 5 lots, or even a major subdivision with 6+ lots. The choice is yours, and the ...
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By Andrzej Lipski, We Buy Houses - No Fees No Repairs Any Condition
(Next Door Properties, LLC)
Are Your Struggling With Your Mortgage?Are you currently facing financial difficulties or find yourself burdened with a property you no longer wish to keep? Look no further, as Next Door Properties is here to help you sell your house quickly in Connecticut. Our dedicated team specializes in assisting homeowners in various challenging situations, offering innovative solutions that deliver fast and optimal results. Whether you're dealing with an inherited property, tax issues, or problematic tenants, we have the expertise and resources to provide you with multiple options to overcome your obstacles efficiently. Let's explore three key reasons why selling your house promptly in Connecticut can be the ideal solution for you.During tough times, financial struggles can affect anyone. Individu...
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By Monique Nobil, Luxury RE Agent serving Vail Valley & Denver Area
(Nobil Solution, LLC)
Do you have an old, wornout, or out-dated bathtub or tile in your bathroom? Or perhaps the existing tile is just ulgy.  You may want to take a your frustrations out with a hammer to the wall and tear it all out, but there may be a better option to consider  before you do that. By reglazing their tubs and showers, investors and homeowners alike can significantly improve the condition of their bathrooms while avoiding the costs associated with replacing fixtures. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a cost-effective solution for their bathrooms. Not to mention, reglazing avoids any demolition mess associated with removal and replacement of a bathtub or tile.  You ahve to ask yourself, is reglazing worth it? Here are some pros and cons to consider. What Fits Your Budget?The...
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By Matt Erickson
(Peterson Homes)
In the state of Utah, you should keep records for 3 years.  Did you know that you should also be keeping records of offers that were not accepted and for deals that fell through?  That's right.  Real estate agents can be audited for records on deals that did not work out.  Authorities might have need to inspect these kinds of records when investigating bad actors that you might have had dealings with in the past. Digital record keeping is often an efficient way to maintain a large volume of these kinds of records.
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By Alicia Christensen, Soon to be Utah Real Estate Agent
(Personal)
In the Real Estate world, people put their trust in you with the biggest purchases of their lives.  You handle sensitive information, you hold the keys to their home, and you help them make decisions that can impact them their whole life.  So, as Agents and Brokers we need to represent ourselves as professionals ALL the time.I am in the pre-license phase of my Real Estate journey and as part of my assignment I was asked to write a blog.  Today, I was researching the types of disciplinary actions are taken when an agent or broker is doing something unethical.  The results surprise me.  I looked up a common last name which pulled up 21 results.  Out of the 21 results 3 were fined for not including their brokerage in their social media advertisement, 1 individual was conducting Real Estate...
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By Lance Sheridan
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate / Lifestyles Realty)
Ever dreamt of a place you can call your own? A dreamy abode where the walls listen to your story, the ceiling shelters your dreams, and the floor grounds your reality? Well, folks, welcome to the world of Home Ownership! With home ownership, you're not just buying a house; you're investing in a lifetime membership to the "I've Got My Own Space" club. You'll have freedom to paint the kitchen that peculiar shade of avocado green you adore, hang your Star Wars memorabilia collection without anyone raising an eyebrow, or install that luxurious rain shower you've always dreamt of. It's your castle, your rules! But it's not just about aesthetic pleasure. Oh no, we're talking about serious financial perks too. Think of your home as a ginormous piggy bank. As you pay off your mortgage, you're ...
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By Zetria Okudjeto, Commercial Sales and Leasing Agent RENE certified
(Elite Realty Alliance)
Wells Fargo announced a new campus in Irving expected to create 650 new jobs and $455 million in capital investment. A Texas Enterprise Fund grant of more than $5 million was extended to the company.https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-announces-new-wells-fargo-bank-campus-in-irving
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By Cristina Nguyen, Real Estate Professional
(1 Connect Realty)
4620 Holt St. Bellaire, Tx 77401 MLS#66915981Experience this custom-built luxury home featuring a showcase grand foyer w/ sweeping curved staircase, exquisite custom millwork, stunning marble & rich hardwood flooring, butler’s wine room, chandeliers, art niches, & large windows that naturally light up the open-concept space. Spacious living area seamlessly flows into a gourmet kitchen equipped w/ Thermador appliances, walk-in pantry, granite countertops, & 2 generous entertaining islands. Enjoy the decked out patio kitchen & backyard space that offers room for a pool, gardening, pets & relaxation. Indulge in the owner's retreat featuring a double sided fireplace, walk-in closet, ensuite bath w/ dual vanity, vessel tub & walk-in shower. Upstairs, awaits a home office with 2 beautiful Jul...
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By Osagumwenro Agho, Student
(Agent Professor)
Being a new Real Estate Agent can come with many challenges, including financial ones. It's essential to have a plan in place to avoid common money problems. By setting and sticking to a budget, keeping track of expenses, and seeking financial advice when necessary, new agents can position themselves for long-term success. Additionally, taking advantage of education and training opportunities can help build a strong foundation for a successful real estate career. After establishing a budget, keeping track of expenses, and seeking out financial advice when needed, new real estate agents should focus on building a solid network to expand their client base. One effective way to achieve this is by attending networking events and joining local real estate associations. These opportunities ca...
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By Jason Mathis, Certified Tax Representation Consultant
(Mathis Tax Service)
Are you struggling to keep up with your tax payments, especially when finances are tight? Ignoring your tax debt is not the answer. Instead, taking action and getting into tax compliance should be your top priority. The good news is that the IRS is usually willing to work with taxpayers to resolve their tax debts. However, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of the collection alternatives available to you. In this blog post, we'll discuss what to do when you can't pay your taxes and how to resolve your tax debt. Tax Compliance: The First Step to Resolving Your Tax DebtThe initial step in addressing your tax issue is to get into "tax compliance." This means filing all tax returns due for the last six years and making your current tax payments. Once you're in tax compliance, you ca...
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By Garrett Puckett, VA Loan Lender
(Security America Mortgage)
Buying a house in Texas for Veterans and active-duty servicemen and servicewomen generally follows a similar sequence of steps as in other states. Throughout this blog when we use the word Veteran it will be representative of both retired Military Veterans, active duty service members, and reserves.  Here are the key steps in the home-buying process for Veterans utilizing their Texasd VA loan benefit: First determine your budget with a va loan calculator, affordability calculator and/or basic allowance for housing calculator: Determine how much house you can afford and get pre-approved by local Texas mortgage lenders like Security America Mortgage. A mortgage pre-approval starts by completing a loan application.  They also offer several calculators to help you in the home-buying process...
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By Jacqueline Rodriguez, Dream Homes by Jacqueline
(Exit Platinum Realty )
Buying a home can be one of the most exciting and significant decisions you'll ever make. It's a long-term investment that requires careful consideration and planning. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or have been through the process before, here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the home buying process. Determine your budget The first step in buying a home is to determine your budget. This will help you narrow down your search and ensure that you're looking at homes that are within your price range. Take into consideration your income, expenses, and any other financial obligations you may have. Get pre-approved for a mortgage Once you have a budget in mind, the next step is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you an idea of how much money you can borrow an...
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By Joel Richardson, Home Reno Loan "Go-To", MBA +20 yr of experience
(PrimeLending)
 Home renovation can be a great way to add value to your home and make it more comfortable and enjoyable.  There are many different types of renovations that you can do, from minor cosmetic improvements to significant structural changes. Before you get started, it's essential to do some research and create a detailed plan.  This can help you save time, money, and energy in the long run. Working with experienced professionals who can help you make the most of your renovation is also essential. You can open the door to a beautiful new home with the proper knowledge and resources. Assess Your Needs and ResourcesAccording to the article, Craig Webb, editor-in-chief of Remodeling and ProSales magazine, advises: ask yourself what is essential in your ideal home. As an investment, one needs to...
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By Christy Dawn, New Home Sales & Design Specialist Extraordinaire
(Home Decor Christy)
As a new home sales and design consultant, I've helped many homebuyers create dream kitchens.  A common concern is making kitchen design choices that are too trendy, leading to regret and remodels just a few years later.  I understand this worry - we want our homes to feel fresh and current for as long as possible. Change is inevitable, but some kitchen design ideas truly stand the test of time.  By the end of this blog post, you'll better understand timeless design principles to apply in your new kitchen. These tips will help you make informed choices, ensuring your space remains stylish, functional, and enduringly appealing.    Neutral Color Schemes:  Opting for a neutral foundation in your kitchen design is wise, as it lets you update trendy accents without a total overhaul. For inst...
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